Mycoplasmal pneumonia in pigs
Summary
Mycoplasmal pneumonia in pigs is a respiratory disease that is caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. This organism predisposes pigs to secondary infections of the lung with bacteria including Pasteurella multocida, Streptococcus suis, Haemophilus parasuis and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae.
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection alone causes relatively mild disease in the absence of environmental stressors, but when complicated by secondary bacterial invaders the resultant disease can cause obvious clinical disease and severe production losses in intensively reared pigs. This disease complex is referred to as enzootic pneumonia (EP).
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and EP are widespread in pig populations and endemic in most pig herds around the world. Although infected sows can transmit infection to their offspring this is less important than other sources of infection. Transmission is most common between finisher or older grower pigs to younger grower or weaner pigs.
Topics inlcude:
- Clinical signs
- Contributing factors
- Diagnosis
- Control
- How do I maintain a Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae-free herd?
- How do I eradicate Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from my herd?
